Sir Michael Gambon, the acclaimed actor who played Professor Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight Harry Potter films, has passed away on Thursday due to a bout of pneumonia, his family said. He was 82.
The Dublin-born star worked in TV, film, theatre and radio over his six-decade career. He won four Baftas, according to media reports.
His widow Lady Gambon and son Fergus said their “beloved husband and father” died peacefully in hospital with his family by his side, following a bout of pneumonia.
“Michael was a wonderful actor, a generous colleague and a dear friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him,” they said in a statement.
Michael’s family had moved to London when he was a child but he made his very first stage performance in Ireland, in a production of Othello in Dublin in 1962, BBC reports.
His career took off when he became one the original members of Laurence Olivier’s National Theatre acting company in London and went on to win three Olivier awards for performances in National Theatre productions.
Gambon took on the role of Dumbledore – headmaster of wizarding school Hogwarts – in the hit Harry Potter series, based on JK Rowling’s novels, after the death of Richard Harris in 2003.
He brought a sense of warmth, wisdom and humour to the character, winning the hearts of millions of fans around the world.
His other film work includes the big screen adaptation of Dad’s Army, Gosford Park and the King’s Speech, in which he portrayed King George V, father of the stammering King George VI.
He was nominated for Emmy awards for his role as Mr Woodhouse in an adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma in 2010, and for playing President Lyndon B Johnson in Path to War in 2002.
He also got a Tony nomination in 1997 for a role in David Hare play Skylight.
The actor, known as “The Great Gambon” in acting circles, had last appeared on stage in 2012 in a London production of Samuel Beckett’s play All That Fall.
He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998 for his services to drama.
Tributes have poured in from his fellow actors and colleagues, who praised his talent, versatility and generosity.
Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter alongside Gambon, said: “He was one of the most brilliant actors I ever worked with. He had an amazing presence and a wicked sense of humour. He was a mentor and a friend to me and I will always cherish the memories we made together.”
Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, said: “I am heartbroken to hear of Michael’s passing. He was such a kind and gentle soul, who always made me laugh. He was a true legend and I feel honoured to have known him.”
JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books, said: “Michael Gambon was a magnificent actor and a wonderful man. He brought such depth and nuance to Dumbledore and made him come alive on screen. I am deeply saddened by his loss and my thoughts are with his family.”
The National Theatre said: “We are immensely saddened by the death of Sir Michael Gambon. He was one of our greatest actors and a cherished member of our theatre family. His performances were unforgettable and his legacy will live on.”
(With inputs from BBC News)
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